It has been a rough 5 weeks for the 3s. Decimated by injuries and a bumper summer in the
Right from the outset the Slippery Eel had the aquarium bubbling. His five goals put daylight between him and junk time specialist Tom Healey but just as important was his chase and tackle pressure and ability to provide a contest for every forward entry. Tom Lackmann’s exponential improvement continued as he clunked some important grabs and snagged a nice set shot while Ed Mandie sold candy in bulk and was a handy livewire each time the footy hit the deck. Gordo Code played one of his best games at both ends of the ground and proved a handy extra marking option as well as a fiery mêlée participant. Plaudits too for the clinical finishing of Nic Russell and deposed skipper John Cooper, both of whom have endured mightily in a grim July.
In defence the newly-attached Lachie Gooley was characteristically clingy on the De La full forward, outmatching him at every contest. Chris Stubbe was his bullocking best across half back with Toby Dickson’s skill and poise the perfect counterpoint. Lach Cameron’s camouflage skins sometimes mean that he flies under the radar but his precision kicking and creative forward forays were a vital part of our victory. Jack Maccioli played a fine first half of footy on his much-anticipated return and his brother Harry was a fearsome presence throughout. When De La rallied, as was inevitable, it was the composure of our defence that steadied the ship and much praise is due to all who played their part back there.
The midfield was bolstered by the return of the oil-drenched but still silky King of Mykonos, Aaron Gregory who was warmly welcomed back on behalf of VAFA umpires everywhere with a handful of 25m penalties. But the hero of the centre square was unquestionably Moose Yenken who has developed into a valuable asset in the ruck and around the ground, giving our onballers first use and taking important marks in defence. He has indeed come a long way since he blew up two minutes into his first stint in the ruck in round 2.
The 3s regulars were very grateful for the under 19s boys who gave up their bye Saturday to play. Our thanks to Tom and Jim De Fegley, Harry Maccioli, Ed Mandie and Andrew Clapham. Frequently their attack on the footy and hunger for the contest set the tone for our efforts and they are welcome back any time. Special thanks also to Theo Code for risking his bung knee to act as our runner.
9% is all that stands between the Thirds and a finals berth. We will need luck and an ability to deliver a couple of enormous pastings to edge our way into September action but the dream is far from over. Stay tuned.
Best Players- Chris Stubbe, Steve Petsinis, Lachie Cameron, Aaron Gregory, Ed Mandie, Nick Yenken.
Goals- Steve Petsinis 5, Nick Russell 2, James Newton, Aaron Gregory, Tom Lackman, Ed Mandie, Toby Dickson, Chris Baillieu, John Cooper